Which Film is the Best? Today you have many more overlaminate options for floor graphics than were available ten years ago. Polycarbonate and vinyl films — most of which are pressure-sensitive — are often used to protect floor graphics. Read more »
Application of Vinyl Graphics to Acrylic Signs
When decorating acrylic sheet, selecting the right vinyl film for the job depends on a variety of factors: Read more »
Seaming Vinyl Banners: Calling on the Chemical Weld, RF & Heat Methods
Chemical welding is an inexpensive way to seam banners and it’s longer lasting than banner tape. But there’s also something to be said for RF and heat welding processes that last much longer than brush-on solutions. Read more »
How Thermoplastics and Thermosets Differ
Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics are both comprised of very large polymer chains. Both have similarly sounding names. Each type of plastic, however, is very unique. Here’s how thermoplastics and thermosets differ. Cast vinyls are thermoplastics, which are very soft and conformable films, suitable for fleet graphics application over rivets and corrugations. Photo courtesy of Nazdar. Read more »
The Differences Between Polyurethane and Vinyl Films
Many in our industry use the all-encompassing term “heat transfer vinyl” to refer to any heat transfer flex film. The fact of the matter is that many of the heat transfer films on the market today are not vinyl at all. Much of what is sold today is polyurethane or a polyurethane blend. Read more »
When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part I
Variables like surface tension, media expansion and ink absorption take on new dimensions on larger substrates. If the paper doesn’t advance, it could cause blobs of ink or other ugly outcomes. If the media stretches even a little, you could get blurs. Tiling can become a challenge on larger prints. Read on to discover what […] Read more »
Problems with Static Electricity
In much of the country September ushers in climatic changes. As the autumn air becomes colder, the humidity of the air outdoors decreases. The drop in humidity can result in an increase of problems related with static electricity. Static problems in print shops are further exacerbated, as we switch from air conditioning to a heating […] Read more »
Premask Puckering on Screen Printed Graphics
A number of factors can cause puckering and tunneling of a premask or application tape laminated on a screen printed vinyl graphic. These factors fall into three broad categories: environment, material processing and product selection. Read more »
The Effect of Clear Coating Matte Silver VinylEfx Film
Spraying RTape Matte Silver VinylEfx® film with a clear coat will change its appearance from a matte finish to a satiny finish. The reason for the change is that this VinylEfx® pattern is textured on the first or outside surface of the film. Other VinylEfx® patterns are embossed on the second surface. When you spray […] Read more »
Adhesion Testing
Testing the Bond of an Ink or Paint Whether you are screen printing or painting, the coating must bond to the substrate for the service life of the product. Depending on the physical properties of the coating that you have selected for a project and the substrate to which the coating will be applied, the […] Read more »
